Time-Lapse

Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to the completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6

Have you ever watched a video that was filmed with time-lapse photography? My favorites to watch are those of blossoming flowers. A process that takes hours in real-time is shown in mere seconds. Subtle movements, not seen by the naked eye, are clearly displayed.

This is how I like to picture my spiritual growth. It is a slow and hidden process, not seen in the day-to-day. Those who know me may not see big steps of progress. But God, who is outside of space and time, sees where I started, each little point of growth, and the end goal. He is working to change me, little by little. He sees the entire picture, like those time-lapse flowers that burst open on the screen.

The process of becoming more like Christ is long and difficult. Every time I cooperate with the Holy Spirit, there is an unfurling. Each time I set aside my own will for God’s best, there is a bloom. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen gradually.

When discouragement and struggles threaten to hinder my progress, I must remember that my faithful God will continue transforming me. With Him, there is always a new beginning. I can come to Him for forgiveness and renewal. He sees the big picture of my life, but He also works meticulously in each small frame of growth.

Lord, help me remember that even when my spiritual growth seems slow and arduous, You are growing me. You see the beautiful result even now and are working to make me more like Christ every day.

Whitney